Summary
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Our mission at has multiple layers:
Preservation. Restoration. Retreat. Community Involvement. Inspiration.
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The Hideaway at Heritage Hill will serve as unique accommodations for guests who may wish to slow down and simply unplug from the modern world by experiencing Romany wagon life as it was at the turn of the century.
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Additionally, the location offers a spectacular setting for group events -from traditional seminars and retreats, to a locale where artisans can share their skills and knowledge of lost trades. These latter venues will ultimately serve to support those who are keeping the traditional trades, heritage skills, and forgotten crafts of yesteryear alive for future generations.
Who We Are
Welcome to the Hideaway at Heritage Hill! My name is Carol, and along with my daughter Samantha, we are creating The Hideaway at Heritage Hill.
In 2013, I traveled to Wales and lived in a Romany wagon for 2 years while I studied the art, restoration, and history of the 'travellers'. When the time came to return to the States, it was no surprise that my baggage did not fit under the seat in front of me (2 suitcases, 1 carry-on ...and 3 wagons)!
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The two years spent within these cozy hideaways on wheels taught me so much more than I can possibly communicate in just a few lines, and because of all those special moments, I am committed to restoring, saving, and sharing the beauty of wagon life.
With my daughter's expertise in marketing and project management in the tourism and hospitality industry, and my knowledge and direct experience with the restoration process, we are a dynamic partnership for success.
Description of Business
The Hideaway at Heritage Hill is a small business that gives guests a unique opportunity designed to evoke a romantic experience of a by-gone era. Our three Romany wagons reside on 5 acres of wildflowers and towering pines on Whidbey Island, WA. Each wagon site includes a 'bender tent' for added space, if desired, and for larger groups, a traditional Cheyenne Tipi will accommodate 2-6 guests.
Meet our wagons
"Evergreen"
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Currently, Evergreen is in need of her topcoat enamel paint (Brunswick green) before we can place the gold-leafed carvings on the sides, front and back. Once the carvings are secure, the decorative painting can begin. The inside features a double bed, a writing desk, sliding windows for cross-ventilation on hot summer days, and a tiny wood burning stove that will keep you warm on the coldest of winter nights. The photo below gives you a visual of a nicely restored Bowtop wagon.
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"The Dolphin"
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The Dolphin's namesake derives from the mythological carvings located on the front porch. Back in the day, Showman wagons most likely travelled to county fairs and circuses. Once inside, you will see the raised double bed in the back of the wagon, two small cushioned benches, a dresser, china hutch, and a traditional 'queenie' stove to take the chill off the evening air, and mollycroft windows for added height and moonlit nights. Today, she will need a more uniformed, fresh topcoat of enamel to restore the wagon back to it's original state. Below is an example of a restored Showman wagon (note the traditional continuation of color all the way from the front to the back).
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"Sojourner"
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For many years, this Preacher's Wagon was mistaken for a circus wagon -thus the vibrant contrasting colors! In the late 1800's, the Church of England had commissioned less than 50 of these wagons to 'spread the word' -however, in 1914, most went to WWI and didn't return. Different from the Romany wagons, Sojourner has 2 rooms -the sitting room towards the front, and the bedroom with its doors that fully open to the outdoors. The sitting room still has her Victorian cabinets, patterned arched glass windows, and a wood burning stove. This extremely rare wagon now needs some structural repairs, a new roof, and a more traditional choice of paint for the topcoat in order to be restored back in harmony with its history.
(Below: For group events, we have...)
"Stargazer"
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When more space is needed, Stargazer, our North Cheyenne tipi can accommodate 2 to 6 guests. In addition to our tipi, each Romany wagon will also include the use of a 'bender tent,' or belle tent (pictured below); each tent can sleep 2 people. Comfortable mattresses are included in both the tipi and the tents.
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The Ask
Your contributions, no matter how large or small,
will make all the difference in the world to us.
Our financial stumbling blocks lie in terms of materials, and outsourcing professional help for the structural restorations and fundamental infrastructural work needed to prepare the land and host guests. We've broken down our project into 2 separate phases. This campaign is aimed to finance the costs of Phase 1 only. If we exceed our crowdfunding goal, we will begin Phase 2 of our overall plan (described below).
Phase 1
All funds will go directly into these three categories:
(a complete breakdown of costs is available by email request)
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Restoration materials for the Dolphin and Evergreen: body paint, brushes, decorative enamel paint, gold leafing, and mattresses. Evergreen needs window frames, window glass, a wood stove and installation.
Restoration Subtotal = $10,156.00
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Infrastructure development of wagons sites and public use areas: leveling and grading the land for each site, one bath house [2 composting toilets and a shower], one covered cooking shelter, and sets of wagons stairs.
Infrastructure Subtotal: $7,670.00
TOTAL AMOUNT NEEDED: $17,826.00
Every contribution will go to offsetting the costs above; if we do not reach our goal, the project still moves forward...just painfully slow.
Phase 2
Should we exceed our goals from phase 1, we will excitedly move forward with phase 2, which will include: the restoration of our third wagon, Sojourner (in need of the most structural work), plus, the construction of a rustic, Pacific Northwest spa; complete with a wood-fired sauna, soaking tub, and an adjoining small tea house/relaxation room.
Prototype Spa:
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What's In It For You?
While Whidbey Island is known as a fantastic destination for both tourists and locals alike, there is an extreme shortage of mid-range accommodations. It is hard to find a place to stay for less than $125 from spring through autumn, aside from a campground. The Hideaway is trying to fill this gap. For venues and individuals alike, all of our accommodations will ultimately provide a setting that appeals to ones sense of adventure, while still offering an inner retreat, a closeness to nature, and a sense of renewal and restoration at an affordable price.
Your Perks
Perks are evenly split into options for both onsite and remote experiences to meet the needs of those who both plan on visiting in person, and those who can't. However, in the spirit of collaboration, should you have another idea that might "perk" your interest, please let us know by emailing us at HideawayAtHeritageHill@gmail.com.
Project Challenges
Our biggest challenge so far has been to acquire workers who are knowledgeable in wagon restoration. We have resolved this issue, oddly enough, by networking with wooden boat builders. Now it is about securing the finances to move forward with their expertise.
What If We Don't Reach Our Goal?
We are 100% committed to making this a reality, and we will continue moving forward piece by piece with whatever funds we do collect. With determination and a clear goal in mind, we'll continue to raise funds however necessary until our reality is a reflection of our vision.
Everyone Can Help!
We appreciate that not everyone is in a position to contribute financially to the campaign, but if you are reading this, you can help!
- Follow our brand new Facebook page at @HideawayAtHeritageHill.
- Share this campaign with everyone you can via texts, emails, socials, & everything else! Templates are available should you need a little help creating a message. Email us at HideawayAtHeritageHill@gmail.com for our marketing template!
- Organize a group donation on behalf of an organization you are part of.
- Organize a unique fundraiser, such as a popup dinner! If you are nearby, we'll be on hand to talk about our experiences and even showcase Romany recipes.
Questions?
Email us at HideawayAtHeritageHill@gmail.com. We will do our best to respond to all inquires within 24 hours.
Thank you!
